Risk Factors of Long-Term Incisional Hernia after Open Surgery for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: A Bicentric Study.

BACKGROUND: Conventional open surgery is still important beside endovascular surgery in the management of abdominal aortic aneurysms, with less reinterventions in the long-term follow-up. Incisional hernias are the major complication open surgery in the mid- and long term. The occurrence of this late complication could be due to the choice of the incision, median or transverse. The objectives of our retrospective and bicentric study were to characterize the long-term risk factors for incisional hernias after open surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysms, in particular by comparing the 2 types of laparotomy, and to determine the prevalence of the operated and not operated incisional hernias. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2009 and December 2011, all the patients having elective open surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) by midline laparotomy at the University hospital of Besancon or by transversal laparotomy at the University Hospital of Strasbourg were included retrospectively. The demographic data, the time of diagnosis of the incisional hernia and the parietal reinterventions were collected during a 5-year postoperative follow-up. A univariate and multivariate Cox model was used for the statistical analysis to determine the long-term risk factors for the appearance of an incisional hernia. RESULTS: During the study period, 223 patients presenting with AAA were included, 112 of them were operated by a midline laparotomy and 111 by a transverse laparotomy. The mean age of the patients was 69 ± 8,4years and 208 (93.3%) were men. The 5-year prevalence of incisional hernias was 14.3% (32), and 20 of these hernias (9%) had to be operated. Eighteen hernias (16.1%) occurred after a midline laparotomy and 14 (12.6%) after a transverse incision (P = 0.30). In univariate analysis, obstructive chronic pulmonary disease was the only significant risk factor for incisional hernia (P = 0.01) and an age over 65 years appeared to protect against this risk (P = 0.049). These results were confirmed by multivariate analysis, which showed that obstructive chronic pulmonary disease was an independent risk factor for incisional hernia (HR = 2.35, 95% CI 1.16-4.75), and that an age over 65 years was a protective factor (HR = 0.49 95% IC 0.00-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: The type of laparotomy did not modify the rate of incisional hernias. We showed that only 9% of the patients had to be operated to treat an incisional hernia during the first 5 years after surgery for AAA in our bicentric study. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease was the only independent risk factor for the occurrence of an incisional hernia.

Volume Change after Endovascular Treatment of Common Iliac Arteries ≥ 17 mm Diameter: Assessment of Type 1b Endoleak Risk Factors.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the post-operative volumetric evolution of common iliac arteries (CIA) ≥ 17 mm diameter with respect to the type of endovascular technique performed and to assess type 1b endoleak risk factors. METHODS: All consecutive patients presenting with aneurysmal disease with CIA ≥17 mm treated endovascularly from 2008 to 2016 were included. Patients were divided into two groups dependent upon the type of endovascular technique performed: bell bottom technique (BBT group), vs. other techniques (non-BBT group). Volumetric evolution of the CIA was assessed for each patient by computed tomography angiographic reconstructions performed pre-operatively, at six months, one year, and two years. Multivariable analysis was performed to identify risk factors for type 1b endoleak. RESULTS: From 2008 to 2016, 74 patients with 110 CIA ≥17 mm were treated (BBT group: n = 58; non-BBT group: n = 52). Mean follow up was 48.1 months (median 39.0, IQR 38.1). Mean volumetric evolution significantly differed in the BBT group +14.2% (median 19.9%, IQR 24.6) compared with the non-BBT group: -20.9% (median -20.1%, IQR -26.0), p < .001. The five year type 1b endoleak related re-intervention rate was 16.1% and 7.7% in the BBT and non-BBT groups, respectively (p = .04), mean time to type 1b endoleak was 24.8 months and 54.3 months, respectively. The BBT appeared as a risk factor for type 1b endoleak (OR: 7.13; 95% CI: 1.58-3.04; p < .001). CONCLUSION: The BBT is associated with an increase in CIA volume post-operatively and consequently can be considered a risk factor for type 1b endoleak. It might be avoided if an iliac branched endograft is possible.

Critical Limb Ischaemia Exacerbates Mitochondrial Dysfunction in ApoE-/- Mice Compared with ApoE+/+ Mice, but N-acetyl Cysteine still Confers Protection.

OBJECTIVES: The current study was performed in order to determine the influence of hypercholesterolaemia on critical limb ischaemia (CLI) and whether targeting oxidative stress by antioxidant therapies such as N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), considered to be a direct scavenger of reactive oxygen species, could confer muscle protection. METHODS: Apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-/- mice (n = 9, 29 weeks old) and their genetic controls ApoE+/+ mice (n = 9, 29 weeks old) were submitted to sequential right femoral and iliac ligations; the left limb served as control. ApoE+/+ mice were divided into two groups: Group 1 (n = 4) and Group 2 (n = 5); as well as ApoE-/- mice: Group 3 (n = 3), and Group 4 (n = 6). NAC treatment was administered to Groups 2 and 4 in drinking water. Mice were sacrificed on Day 40 and gastrocnemius muscles were harvested to study mitochondrial respiration by oxygraphy, calcium retention capacity by spectrofluorometry, and production of reactive oxygen species by electron paramagnetic resonance. RESULTS: CLI associated with ApoE deficiency resulted in more severe mitochondrial dysfunction: maximum oxidative capacity and calcium retention capacity were decreased (-42.9% vs. -25.1%, p = .010; and -73.1% vs. -40.3%, p = .003 respectively) and production of reactive oxygen species was enhanced (+63.6% vs. +41.4%, p = .03) in ApoE-/- mice compared with ApoE+/+ mice respectively. Antioxidant treatment restored oxidative capacity, calcium retention capacity and decreased production of reactive oxygen species in both mice strands. CONCLUSIONS: In this small murine study, hypercholesterolaemia exacerbated mitochondrial dysfunction, as clinically expected; but antioxidant therapy appeared protective, which is counter to clinical experience. Further work is clearly needed.

Cryopreserved Cadaveric Arterial Allograft for Arterial Reconstruction in Patients with Prosthetic Infection.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report outcomes of cryopreserved arterial allografts used as a vascular substitute in the setting of prosthetic material infection. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data was conducted including all consecutive interventions performed with cryopreserved arterial allografts used for vascular reconstruction in the setting of prosthetic material infection between January 2005 and December 2014. Five year outcomes included allograft related re-interventions, survival, primary patency, and limb salvage rates. RESULTS: Fifty-three procedures were performed using cryopreserved allografts for vascular prosthetic infection: 25 procedures (47%) were performed at aorto-iliac level (Group 1) and 28 procedures (53%) at peripheral level (Group 2). The mean follow-up was 52 months. Five year allograft related re-intervention was 55% in Group 1 (6 allograft ruptures and 5 allograft aneurysm degenerations) and 33% in Group 2 (2 allograft ruptures and 7 allograft aneurysm degenerations). Five year survival was 40% and 68%, primary patency was 89% and 59% and limb salvage was 100% and 89% for Group 1 and 2 respectively. CONCLUSION: Use of cryopreserved arterial allografts provides acceptable results but is tempered by suboptimal 5 year outcomes with high re-intervention rates.

Zenith Bifurcated Iliac Side Branch Device: Mid-term Results and Assessment of Risk Factors for Intraoperative Thrombosis.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the short- and mid-term results of the Zenith bifurcated iliac side branch device (ZBIS) in the treatment of common iliac artery (CIA) aneurysms, and to assess risk factors for intraoperative internal iliac artery (IIA) thrombosis. METHODS: All patients who underwent endovascular treatment of either an isolated CIA aneurysm or an aortoiliac aneurysm using the ZBIS device in the departments of vascular surgery of Strasbourg (France) and Lausanne (Switzerland) between January 2010 and December 2014 were retrospectively collected. RESULTS: Thirty-one implantations were performed: 30 patients underwent 31 endovascular CIA aneurysm treatments with the ZBIS device. Mean operative time was 188 min. Technical success was obtained in 26 implantations (84%). In 5 implantations (16%), the final angiogram revealed an IIA thrombosis. Thirty-day mortality was 3.2%. Thirty-day morbidity was 13.3%. Mean follow-up was 15 months. Overall survival was 96% at 1 year and 89% at 2 years. In intention-to-treat analysis, primary patency of the internal iliac side branch was 84% at 1 year and 76% at 2 years (5 peroperative IIA occlusions and 1 late occlusion). Freedom from reintervention was 89% at 1 and 2 years. One case of type III endoleak and 2 cases of type II endoleaks were identified. Only type III endoleak required an additional intervention with a covered stent. Aneurysm diameter decreased in 15 implantations (48%) and remained stable in 16 implantations (52%). Clinical, radiological, and peroperative parameters were analyzed to identify risk factor for intraoperative thrombosis of the internal iliac side branch. Notion of intraoperative difficulties (any additional procedure that was not initially planned and increasing the operating time) appeared as a risk factor in multivariate analysis (P < 0.01, standard deviation 1.27, odds ratio 30.6). CONCLUSIONS: The main findings of our study is that the procedure can be difficult to perform in particular conditions and can lead to peroperative failure in these cases, highlighting the need for adequate patients screening. When technical success is obtained, outcomes can be considered as satisfactory.

Endovascular Surgery, Open Surgery, and Primary Amputation in Nonagenarians Presenting with Critical Limb Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to report the midterm outcome for nonagenarians with critical limb ischemia (CLI) and to identify factors affecting survival or limb salvage rates. METHODS: Nonagenarians who underwent endovascular surgery (ES), open surgery (OS), or primary amputation (PA) for CLI between 2005 and 2014 were included. Cox regression model identified factors affecting survival and limb salvage. RESULTS: ES was performed in 116 patients (119 limbs), OS in 73 patients (73 limbs), and PA in 54 patients (57 limbs). Mean follow-up was 10.38 months. There was no difference in survival between ES, OS, and PA groups: survival rate was 51.2% at 1 year and 38.9% at 2 years after ES, 48.3% at 1 year and 39.6% at 2 years after OS, and 50.6% at 1 years and 40.8% at 2 years after PA (P = 0.58). There was no difference in limb salvage between ES and OS groups: limb salvage rate was 88.2% and 77.8% at 1 and 2 years after ES and 87.3% and 77.6% at 1 and 2 years after OS. Coronary artery disease (hazard ratio [HR] 1.54; confidence interval [CI] 1.04-1.08; P = 0.01) was risk factor for death. Fully dependent state was risk factor for death (HR 4.2; CI 3.55-4.87; P < 0.001) and major amputation (HR 5.3; CI 1.32-1.67; P < 0.001). In fully dependent patients, 1-year and 2-year survival rate was 28.9% and 20.6%, respectively, and 1-year and 2-year limb salvage rate was 61.2% and 44.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: With acceptable early and late mortality, limb salvage and maintenance of functional status and level of independent living, revascularization in nonagenarians is effective as long as the patient is not fully dependent.

Treatment of aneurysmal aberrant right subclavian artery with triple-barrel stent graft.

Aneurysmal evolution of an aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) is an operative indication. Endovascular treatment is a minimally invasive procedure, which offers good short-term and midterm results. We describe a case of a 9-cm diameter ARSA aneurysm in a symptomatic man, treated with the triple-barrel technique using a thoracic aortic stent graft combined with surgical and endovascular revascularization of the supra-aortic trunks. Postoperatively, the patient developed a type III endoleak which was covered. The triple-barrel technique has been a proposed treatment approach for complex aortic arch pathologies and remains a less invasive option when compared with open surgery.

Aortitis and aortic occlusion in Crohn disease.

Patients with Crohn disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis are known to be at increased risk of arterial thromboembolic complications. We report the case of a 33-year-old woman suffering from CD for 19 years who presented lower limb claudication. Computed tomography scan revealed an aortoiliac occlusion extending from the level of the inferior mesenteric artery to both iliac bifurcations. Endovascular recanalization was attempted as a first option but failed. We then performed an aortobi-femoral bypass through a left retroperitoneal approach that allowed a total relief of the symptoms. Histologic study of the aorta demonstrated a nonspecific aortitis with lymphohistiocytic cell infiltration in the media and adventitia tunica. There was no signs of associated vasculitis. At the light of a literature review, we discussed our surgical strategy and the inflammation of the aortic wall as local factor of thrombosis that has never been previously described.

Midterm failure after endovascular treatment of a persistent sciatic artery aneurysm.

Persistent sciatic artery (PSA) is a rare arterial embryologic malformation that tends to present early atherosclerotic degeneration such as aneurysmal formation. Open surgical treatment of PSA aneurysms has been considered as the gold standard but endovascular techniques have been recently proposed in the literature. We report the case of a 65-year-old man, diagnosed with a PSA aneurysm on peripheral thromboembolic complications. We achieved an endovascular repair with a covered stent. Despite an uneventful postoperative course, the covered stent demonstrated fracture and thrombosis 6 months after implantation without any symptoms.

Posterior Circumflex Humeral Artery Aneurysm: Case Report and Systematic Literature Review.

Posterior circumflex humeral artery (PCHA) aneurysm is a rare condition. It mostly affects young professional sports player and might be career threatening. This is the report of the case of a 28 year old volleyball player presenting with symptoms of right digital ischaemia caused by a PCHA aneurysm. Surgical treatment by resection of the aneurysm without revascularisation was performed. The post-operative course was uneventful and the patient returned to professional competition one month after surgery. A literature review is also presented in an attempt to provide recommendations for PCHA aneurysm diagnosis and management.

Cystic adventitial pathology as an entity in peripheral arterial disease.

BACKGROUND: Cystic adventitial disease (CAD) is a rare condition in which mucinous cyst forms within the adventitia of arteries and veins. The management of CAD still remains unclear and a wide range of imaging and treatment options has been described. The purpose of this study is to propose an update of etiology, clinical diagnosis, imaging modalities and treatment options in the setting of CAD described on arterial territory. METHODS: We performed a systematic review including studies reporting case or case series of CAD, searching across the Medline, Embase and Cochrane databases. RESULTS: We identified 513 reports and 677 arterial cysts. Various imaging modalities such as Duplex ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomographic angiography and conventional angiography were included. A wide range of treatment options have been performed with the most common being cyst resection followed by saphenous vein graft reconstruction in 259 cases. Follow-up was described in 431 cases with an average of 33 months. There were 51 patients who developed cyst recurrence. Among the 102 cases where joint connection was identified, 40 had either ligation of the joint connection or joint resection, which led to no recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: CAD must be considered as en entity in peripheral arterial disease and considered in the differential diagnosis, in particular for middle-aged male patients who show no evidence of atherosclerotic disease. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of CAD will allow a consensus on treatment strategy and improve outcomes by reducing recurrence rates.

Vascular access complications in endovascular procedures with large sheaths.

Endovascular procedures, such as transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), and endovascular abdominal aortic repair (EVAR) have been established as promising less invasive therapeutic options. However, despite continuous advances and device improvements, the use of large-sheaths still remains an important challenge, since significant coexisting arterial disease may be encountered in patients undergoing such procedures. Identification of coexisting arterial diseases by optimal preoperative imaging assessment is essential to anticipate these difficulties and avoid the complications by using adequate access options. Should a vascular complication such as iliac rupture occur, vascular interventionists must be aware of salvage procedures to control and treat major complications, such as maintaining wire access across the rupture for occlusion balloon placement and vessel control, while disruption is addressed either through an endovascular or an open approach. The aims of this review are to describe how to prevent vascular complications by optimal preoperative imaging assessment, to detail intraoperative options available for addressing difficult access issues and to discuss how to manage intraoperative major vascular complications.

Endovascular Versus Open Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: Best Decision.

Since the first implantation of an endograft in 1991, endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) rapidly gained recognition. Historical trials showed lower early mortality rates but these results were not maintained beyond 4 years. Despite newer-generation devices, higher rates of reintervention are associated with EVAR during follow-up. Therefore, the best therapeutic decision relies on many parameters that the physician has to take in consideration. Patient's preferences and characteristics are important, especially age and life expectancy besides health status. Aneurysmal anatomical conditions remain probably the most predictive factor that should be carefully evaluated to offer the best treatment. Unfavorable anatomy has been observed to be associated with more complications especially endoleak, leading to more re-interventions and higher risk of late mortality. Nevertheless, technological advances have made surgeons move forward beyond the set barriers. Thus, more endografts are implanted outside the instructions for use despite excellent results after open repair especially in low-risk patients. When debating about AAA repair, some other crucial points should be analysed. It has been shown that strict surveillance is mandatory after EVAR to offer durable results and prevent late rupture. Such program is associated with additional costs and with increased risk of radiation. Moreover, a risk of loss of renal function exists when repetitive imaging and secondary procedures are required. The aim of this article is to review the data associated with abdominal aortic aneurysm and its treatment in order to establish selection criteria to decide between open or endovascular repair.

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: What About Screening?

The prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) in general population is 4-9% with a high mortality rate when ruptured. Therefore, screening programs were developed in many countries to detect small and large AAA in selected patients. Indeed, prevalence of AAA increases in patients over 65 years old with cigarette smoking history. This paper reviews recent literature related to AAA screening focusing on epidemiology, screening tests and evidence based medicine to highlight not only advantages but also disadvantages of screening programs among population.